2 days ago
18
Queens, New York:
A line-up featuring international reggae icons Beres Hammond, Sean Paul, and Shaggy can only be described as monumental. The historic moment of all three artistes sharing the stage for the first time added another layer of appreciation for the vastness of their musical catalogues, taking the audience on an extraordinary journey from start to finish. The highly anticipated Rock Away Valentine’s concert, held at UBS Arena in Queens, New York, on February 14, delivered an unforgettable night of reggae, dancehall, and lovers’ rock, perfectly capturing the romance and energy of the occasion.
Presented by Harmony House and Jammins Events, the concert kicked off with an opening performance by reggae songbird Shuga, who came dressed in a form-fitting red dress with asymmetrical ruffle tulle – a sight for sore eyes – armed with a voice to bring reggae music lovers to their knees.
Paying tribute to female reggae icons Dawn Penn and Marcia Griffiths, performing songs like No, No, No, and a medley of Dreamland and I Shall Sing leading into a reggae rendition of Michael Bolton’s Said I Loved You, were the right selections to open the stage.
Sean Paul and the Dutty Rock team of talent made a commanding entrance to some of the infectious rhythms behind his hits and a preview of the newest collaboration, the remix of Push to Start with Tyla. Easily defined as a production packed with global dancehall and pop anthems, fluid, sensual, fun choreography and undeniable energy, Sean Paul had the crowd on their feet from the very first beat.
He followed up with a pulsating performance of the chart-topping Cheap Thrills before taking fans on a journey through dancehall’s golden eras. When he launched into ‘90s and early 2000s classics Infiltrate, Get Busy, I’m Still In Love With You – his inspired spin on the Alton Ellis classic – and teased Deport Dem, the energy in the arena swelled.
Midway through his set, he shifted gears with No Lie, injecting a fresh, modern dynamism that reinvigorated the crowd. By then, the entire venue was fully engaged, moving to the unmistakable pulse of the dancehall global ambassador.
“New York always feels fresh and new, and it’s years I’m coming through – it feels like a home away from yaad. Whole heap of Jamaicans and Caribbean people here who just get the culture. The Rock Away Valentine’s Show was destined to be a historic event – three crowd pullers and natural crowd pleasers – New York was fitting. I am honoured to have been here. It’s all love, and I love everybody that turned out,” Sean Paul shared.
Good vibes, clean fun
Following Sean Paul, Shaggy took the stage with a performance that blended his smooth delivery with irresistible charm. The diamond-selling artiste had fans singing along to classics like Angel, It Wasn’t Me, and Boombastic. His ability to switch seamlessly between reggae and pop-infused hits showcased his versatility and lasting appeal.
Speaking on the energy of the night, Shaggy remarked: “Good vibes, clean fun – being back in New York is special. I am a New York artiste from the start, so it was really great to be back in front of an audience like this, and I’m happy knowing Beres was the one to call us to the table. And of course, to have Rayvon [who is featured on tracks like Angel and In the Summertime] here with me to perform is amazing … he is the boss!”
Shaggy also invited Sean Paul back to the stage to perform their sizzling track Go Down Deh, which, although missing the Queen of Stage, Spice, the two stars captivated the audience by showing off their individual wining skills, both adding a touch of humour, making sure the energy remained at a high.
The night took a soulful turn when the legendary Beres Hammond, the undisputed ‘King of Lovers Rock’, graced the stage. His soulful voice and timeless classics brought a different kind of magic to the night. As he crooned through favourites such as What One Dance Can Do, She Loves Me Now, Love Means Never to Say I’m Sorry, the audience put up no resistance, rocking in unison, revelling in the heartfelt lyrics and the signature raspy yet honeyed baritone melodies. His performance was a masterclass of reggae love stories, capturing the very essence of the genre’s emotional depth and romantic allure.
Profound chemistry
Despite the chilly New York weather, Hammond acknowledged the warmth of the crowd: “Although it is not my favourite time of the year to be in New York – and you know why as you’re wrapped up in layers of clothing because of the cold – the people make me feel warm, and they always give me love. I always thank them, telling them and showing them my appreciation every time because I honestly don’t know what it would have been like and who I would be without the support of the people.”
When all three icons shared the stage for a collaborative moment that blended their styles in a celebration of reggae music’s evolution, the roaring applause of the audience filled the air inside the UBS arena, symbolising the historic nature of the performance.
The chemistry among the three artistes was profound as they injected a few freestyles while performing collabs Rebel Time and Fight This Feeling.
The youth them a mi bredrin so we coulda hit a stage any time, but this was good timing and occasion for the three of us to be together on stage,” Hammond said.
A particularly heart-warming highlight came when Hammond invited his 14-year-old nephew, Kingston Pauyo, on stage to sing I Feel Good.
The young talent, who is already following in his uncle’s footsteps, shared his excitement. “It was my first time performing in New York with Uncle Beres, but certainly not the first time on stage with him. I was shocked that Uncles Beres was taking me on the show – usually, it’s smaller shows with a tighter audience. I know all of his songs from the start of his career to the present, so I look forward to doing this again,” he said.
Hammond, ever the mentor, expressed his love for nurturing young talent before closing the show with They Gonna Talk and Rock Away.
English (US) ·